A series of measures to reform Ireland's asylum and migration procedures will be brought to Cabinet today by Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan.
The proposals include obliging asylum seekers, who are employed, to contribute between 10% and 40% of their weekly income towards their State accommodation costs.
This plan, which was devised in cooperation with Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy, would mean a person with a weekly income of up to €150 would have a potential contribution of €15; whereas a person earning up to €340 a week would be obliged to contribute around €83.
The plans going to Cabinet will also tighten rules around family reunification.
It is likely this will result in a reduction in the total number arriving into the State under the policy - which stood at 22,000 people in 2024.
The current stipulation that a person granted refugee status can apply for naturalisation after three years of residency is likely to increase to five years.
Assessors would take into account if welfare payments were made to the applicant within that period.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the proposals are a necessary tightening of procedures.
Read more: Immigration plan 'common sense measure', says Tánaiste
Tánaiste Simon Harris said that migration is a good thing but, regarding asylum seekers making a contribution to State accommodation costs, he argued this would assist in social cohesion.
However, Opposition parties on the left were highly critical of the measures.
Labour TD Ged Nash accused Mr O'Callaghan of "virtue signalling" on immigration.
Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said the proposed changes are "filled with holes" and claimed "there is cruelty built into aspects of it."
The People Before Profit - Solidarity TD, Ruth Coppinger, accused the Coalition of "aping Nigel Farage" and "scapegoating" asylum seekers and refugees.
